The Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA) Board of Directors announces a new Certification Program for GIS Professionals to be fully implemented by fall 2003. The program does not include a written or verbal examination but, instead, utilizes a point system based on real-world experience as a major factor in the process. See how you add up by visiting www.urisa.org/certification/2certific.htm.

The GIS Certification Program will be administered by a Certification Board that, hopefully, will consist of GIS professionals from all interested organizations and professional societies. The program is not intended solely for URISA members, and therefore does not require membership in URISA for aspiring GIS certified professionals.

To view the entire proposal, participate in an online poll, obtain valuable links, and share your thoughts with others, visit www.urisa.org/certification/2certific.htm.

The URISA Certification Committee is still in the process of fine-tuning this proposal and therefore requests input from as many GIS professionals as possible. Your feedback is essential to establishing a final program that will be accepted industrywide.

For more information, contact Wendy Francis (e-mail: wfrancis@urisa.org, tel.: 847-824-6300) or visit www.urisa.org.